Why Uzbekistan?

Egypt and Greece, Mexico and Australia, India and Japan and many other exotic destinations lure travelers from all over the world.

Among such destinations Uzbekistan holds a special place and has all the rights to claim the title of "tourist Mecca". What makes Uzbekistan an object of desire of modern travelers?

• It is the heart of the Great Silk Road – an ancient highway that was connecting East and West for two thousands years (2nd century BCE – 16th century CE).

Hundreds of years ago caravans crossed the vast areas of Central Asia, overcoming mountain ranges, rivers, and sandy dunes of deserts in hope of exchanging their goods – silk for gold and precious stones, ivory and corals for fur and bronze arms. Along the trails of the Great Silk Road there sprang up and prospered such cities as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. They offered to merchants and pilgrims, exhausted from long journey, not only shelter but also means of transport – horses and camels as well as a range of commercial services: huge bazaars, bargains mediation and money loans.

• It is centuries-old history imprinted in beautiful creations of ancient architects, in shrines of bygone civilizations.

Majestic and unique in their beauty are the palaces, madrassahs, mausoleums, and minarets of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz; wrapped in mystery are the Buddhist temples and monasteries of Termez and Zoroastrian shrines of ancient Khorezm. These silent witnesses of many important events are ready to tell a keen traveler the truth about deeds and heroes of bygone times.

The ancient architectural monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara, Shahrisabz, and Khiva are unique and their historical centres are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List; they are under patronage of the world community.

• It is a spiritual heritage that amazes everyone with the genius of its scientists, diversity of culture, originality of handicrafts whose traditions are passed from generation to generation.

Traveling through Uzbekistan a tourist has the opportunity to visit the world famous centers of theology and science, to get to know the creations of great poets of the past, and to watch the creation of a real masterpiece by skillful hands of a ceramist in Rishtan or Gijduvan, or embroiderer at Bukhara’s gold embroidery factory, or blacksmith in Chust where from the ancient times the world- famous knives were made. In the workshops of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, tourists can learn about secrets of making miniatures, stucco and wood painting and carving and carpet weaving. And above all, all these things are produced in your presence and you can buy then on the spot.

• It is unique nature where boundless sandy deserts abut on multicolor Alpine meadows, snowy mountaintops and fertile valleys gladdening the eye with plentiful fruit gardens and vineyards.

An urban city dweller who is tired of civilization can find here exotic routes full of thrills. Among them is camel safari through the Kyzyl-Kum desert with its chain of drifting sand barchans, here and there overgrown with camel’s-thorn, or magic evening spent near a campfire to the sounds of old Karakalpak chant, or an overnight in a real yurt.

• It is people who have always been renowned for their love of freedom and courage, great hospitality and generosity.

An Uzbek proverb says: "A guest in the house is joy in the house!" Hospitality is a main quality of character of people who live in Uzbekistan. No matter where you stay – in a large megapolis such as Tashkent or in a small kishlak (village) in the middle of a desert, you can always expect a hearty welcome.

• It is original national traditions.

Even the most fastidious gourmand will hardly remain indifferent to Uzbek national cuisine with its abundance of spices, vegetables and fruits. The real feast of flavours is often supplemented with a feast for the soul because during the meals guests have the opportunity to get to know national music art of Uzbekistan. Local musicians will fascinate you with tender lyric tunes and then you will be cheered up by fast and dazzling dance. So an ordinary repast initially meant for appeasing your hunger turns into a ceremony reflecting national cultural traditions.

• It is a developed tourism industry which meets world standards.

Today one doesn’t need to spend years, as it had been at the time of Marco Polo, in order to get to the dream destination. International Airlines including those operated by Uzbekistan Airways fly to and from major cities of many countries and in a few hours can bring you to the heart of the Great Silk Road.

Life flows and changes. The times when horses and camels were used as means of transport became a thing of the past. They are replaced by high-speed buses with air-conditioners, bars and TV system. Instead of old caravanserais beautiful modern hotels welcome travelers. Nowadays the hospitality business of Uzbekistan is represented by world-known hotel chains such as  Radisson BLU Tashkent, Dedeman, Ramada Tashkent as well as a number of private hotels where each visitor is treated as the owner’s personal guest who is welcomed with cordial smile and surrounded with pleasant homelike environment.

• It is a modern secular state - an equal member of the World Community.

Today ancient and new Uzbekistan lives a full life and as many centuries ago stays the center of the Great Silk Road warmly welcoming all those who would like to get to know the great inheritance left to the human race.